Tonight, I put down my cat after a 2 yr struggle with Thyroid disease and pancreatic cancer. She was 21.5 yrs old. She fought for life valiantly, coming back time after time even after the vet said she had only weeks left on this world.
Born into a life of extreme poverty and abuse, she was lucky to eventually land in our home. No, actually, we were the lucky ones. That cat stayed with us when we were sick, entertained us to no end, and warmed our hearts when we were sad.
I miss her already. No wonder, since I have known her for just over two thirds of my life.
Somehow, I find it fitting that I am laden with a head cold on this day- a gentle reminder that my mild suffering is a fraction of the pain she put aside for the sake of keeping a brave face. Funny, that my being sick has helped me cope with the guilt of ending another creature’s life.
That is why I find this tea oddly appropriate… soothing of my soul as well as the bug that ails me. A half spoon of honey rounds it off, coating my sore throat caused not by sickness but by crying my eyes out earlier today.
RIP my dear Midnight. I’ll miss you forever.
P.S. If only cats could enjoy tea…
